There is no doubt in my mind that if Freda Axel was in her bowling prime today, she would probably hold every record imaginable in Danbury bowling. As it was, when she was in her prime in the 70s and 80s she did hold records for high games (279) and high series (777).

Freda bowled to a credo: "I never bowl against an opponent, I always bowl against the pins." Well, she must have had some vendetta against those pins, because she knocked them down with more regularity than any bowler of her time.

Living now in Pembroke Pines, Fla., where she has made her home with husband, Barry since 2001, consider her record for the time period she bowled in.

She has had three series over 700; seven series over 650; averaged over 180 better than 5 years; boasts a high game of 279, a high series of 777, and a high average of 191; was the 1987-88 Connecticut Women's Bowling Association Bowler of the Year; was a state doubles champion; won multiple titles in the City tournament, including singles, doubles, and all events; and bowled for more than 30 years in the local association.

"I miss bowling," says Freda, who is now in poor health due to a heart attack, but also says "I now have people who take care of me, and I hope one day to get my strength back."

"It has been a great 45 years," says Phyllis Bieber of her bowling career. "I have had a lot of fun being able to bowl at Holiday (Bowl), Bowlarama, and now at Brookfield."

A mainstay of the Great Danbury Women's Major League for over 30 years and still averaging 174, Phyllis has had a successful career as part of the bowling Bieber family (Husband Terry and son Kevin are bright stars in the men's bowling arena).

Over the years, Phyllis has amassed a record that includes three series over 650, with a high of 656, a high game of 268, and an average over 180 for many years, including a high of 182. She was a member of a state championship team and three city championship teams. She also has an all events title to her credit.

Ed Falcone has been a shining star in the men's bowling galaxy for close to 30 years, and his record speaks for itself.

Over the years, he has had four perfect games, a 299 and two 298s. He has two 800 series to his credit and has broken the 700 barrier more than 100 times. For four years, he carried an average of 220 or better and boasts a career high 231 high average.

He earned inclusion on the All-Star Team twice and was the City Singles champion in 1997.

"With so many guys out there who deserve it, I'm just glad I got the award," says Ed. "I had to take some time off from bowling when I was in my 30s, due to a wrist injury," he recounts. "When I came back (Hall of Famer) Ray Fortune drilled me a ball that wouldn't hurt my wrist. My ball didn't hook as much and my game took off from there."

The breakfast will start at 9 a.m. at the Ethan Allen Inn in Danbury. Tickets are $20 each and may be obtained by calling Emma Pangia at 203-438-3971. Tickets are sold in advance only and cannot be purchased at the door.

Speical guests at the Breakfast include Mayor Mark Boughton, and professional bowling stars Nelson Burton Jr., Johnny Petraglia and Parker Bohn III. The three bowling stars will take part in the Frank Bacon Memorial Strike-a-thon at Brookfield Lanes immediately following the breakfast. Proceeds from both the Breakfast and the Strike-a-thon will benefit the Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut.

Also bowling great at Lore's, Lisa Fish had a remarkable 765 series in the Lore's Ladies League.

n

Who says lightning doesn't strike twice? Just 16 days after setting a personal best record with an 832 series, Rich Palmenta broke through again, this time posting games of 258-277-277 for a remarkable 812 series. The set came while Rich was bowling as a substitute, just as he was when he shot his first 800 series. This time he was bowling in the Candlewood Valley Men's League at Brookfield Lanes.

Also at Brookfield Lanes, Andy Goodnow added another 300 game to his resume, this one in the Bertilson League.

n

Hall of Famers to be were evident at Brookfield Lanes in the Youth Program. These young stars all had series well over 100 pins better than their averages: Chris Boulier, 105 pins over; Richard Katrenya, 102 pins over (and his first career 200 game, a 201); Zane Knapp, 115 pins over; Jake Trotta, 114 pins over; Jake Eventoff, 131 pins over; Vince LaFrancesca, 107 pins over; and with a 640 series, Greg Struges bowled an incredible 181 pins over his average.

Carmel Bowl also got into the action wioth some great games, including 300s by Jim Martin, Norm Carleton and Brian McPhee, and a 290 by Dave Szostak. And keep your eyes on this young phenom bowling out of Carmel Bowl. Sixteen-year-old Clay Adams has had four consecutive series of 652, 740, and 690, capped off by an amazing perfect game and a 780 series.

n

Best wishes for a speedy recovery go ouy to former bowler and Hall of Fame member, Bill Cerveniski. Get well quickly, Bill, and put those bowling shoes back on!